Monday, January 4, 2016

How To Visit A Retreat Northern California

By Raymond Brooks


One way in which Californians find rest and relaxation is at a local hot springs or resort. For others, a sacred or secular retreat northern California takes a more spiritual approach. As such, there are now a number of meditative and spiritual centers in the area. The most important aspect of any retreat being that one finds the experience enjoyable and enlightening.

Hot springs and resorts have been located in the area for years. As most of these centers were founded during the free love age of the 60s, many have a slant toward the counter-culture. When planning a trip to a resort or retreat in the area, it is often advised to check whether the location allows, discourages or encourages nudity while on-site.

When visiting a sacred retreat, one of the first things people notice is the silent stillness. Depending on location, there may also be sounds of nature which create a natural backdrop to the silence. At times, featuring the sounds of small mammals and other creatures, especially at dawn and late at night.

One retreat located in Marin county offers some of the most pristine land to explore including a small forest. At this location, Douglas firs and redwoods soar overhead. When driving in these areas, it is always essential to look for bear, deer, mountain lions and other wildlife. Whether for the beauty of the beast or avoiding an accident, it is often best to stay alert and aware on all roads, service roads and trails when visiting the area.

When visiting this retreat or others in different areas, it is always important to stay alert and aware when driving or hiking in the area. While the area boasts some of the most beautiful sights in the world, it also plays home to a variety of wildlife. As such, whether to spot out a beautiful bear, bird, deer or mountain lion, or to avoid hitting an animal in the road, always having eyes on the road or trail is often a good way to do both.

While some visitors prefer to stay on-site at the spiritual center, others may prefer to camp or stay overnight at a local inn. Whatever the case, those visiting the area may want to take a drive on Highway 1 along the Pacific Coast, or up Highway 101 to visit the Redwoods national and state parks. All of which boast what many have called the most beautiful areas of California, if not the world.

Sacred or secular, camping, lodging or day visit, most centers work towards the same goal. The goal, to provide a sense of quiet and calm to those overcome by a rather noisy world. While some of these centers are expensive, others charge nothing at all. It should be noted that those that do not charge entry fees often still accept donations, most often on a recommended sliding scale basis.

While most residents in the area have adapted to the retreat center, others wish the land would become a state or national park. It is doubtful that this will ever be the case as it seems the owners have no intention of selling. Ultimately, most residents are satisfied as if not for the center, the area would most likely now be a subdivision with housing rather than a place of quiet reflection.




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